Top Things to do in Cradle Coast Tasmania 2020

The Top Things to do on the Cradle Coast

Escape to the wild Cradle Coast near Launceston, where the mountain air is crisp, forest adventures with iconic snow dusted peaks lead to world heritage listed walking tracks and wilderness cruises on the Gordon River are just moments away. The historic townships, wineries, diverse scenery and white sandy beaches are just some of the many magnificent reasons to brag about a holiday to the Cradle Coast. Browse through a list of hand picked experiences and start building your dream Cradle Coast itinerary.

Top 10 Things to do in - Cradle Coast and surrounds

Tasmania’s incredible natural scenery and outdoors activities are a huge drawcard for the many visitors that traverse its shores. The Cradle Mountains are no different.

The Cradle Mountains are situated within the northern end of the Lake St Clair National Park and is considered to be one of the Australia’s most incredible wilderness experiences rich with ancient rainforest, lakes and mountain peaks that are an outdoor enthusiasts playground. From extended hiking trails, guided canyoning adventures, cruises along the Gordon River and more.

Experience Oz recommends the following activities as the Top 5 things to do on the Cradle Coast. After seeing what the Cradle Coast offers, it is likely that you will want to start planning your next adventure to view this outstanding scenery.

Top 10 Things to do in - Cradle Coast and surrounds - Overland Track

1. Overland Track

Location: Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park

Embark on a hike up one of Tasmania’s most iconic tracks; the Overland Track. The track takes a total of 6 days to complete with hikers staying overnight at various huts along the way.

This track encompasses the best of Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park and gives hikers incredible views and exploration opportunities.

The itinerary includes Waldheim, Barn Bluff Hutt, Marion’s Lookout, Pine Forest Moor Hut, Pelion Plains Hut and of course, Cradle Mountain.

This track encompasses the best of Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park and gives hikers incredible views and exploration opportunities.

Be sure to have your camera at the ready as the track provides impressive landscapes of the surrounding areas, which are some of the most-photographed areas in the country.

No stone will be left unturned and not rack undiscovered on the Overland Track.

Be warned this track isn’t for the faint-hearted and if you aren’t up for completing the track in its entirety you can embark on short walks up some of the smaller trails such as Marion’s lookout Walk.

Top 10 Things to do in - Cradle Coast and surrounds - Canyoning Cradle Mountain

2. Canyoning Cradle Mountain

Location: Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain

Make your trip to the Cradle Coast an adventurous one with an action-packed canyoning tour through the Cradle Mountains.

Journeying through the upper section of the Dove River, you’ll be led off track to explore the road less travelled.

This is the perfect adventure for tourists seeking an adrenaline rush or those looking to face their fears and up their adventure game.

Make your trip to the Cradle Coast an adventurous one with an action-packed canyoning tour through the Cradle Mountains.

There is a range of tours available including the Lost World Canyon Tour for beginners and Dove Canyon for the advanced.

Tours run for a few hours ensuring you see and do as much as you can. These canyoning adventures aim to showcase ‘wild Tasmania’ with a combination of thrilling slides, jumps, and abseils – you won’t be disappointed.

Top 10 Things to do in - Cradle Coast and surrounds - Wings Wildlife Park

3. Wings Wildlife Park

Location: 137 Winduss Road, Gunns Plains

Make your way to Wings Wildlife Park in Gunns Plains to see their large collection of animals.

Housing the largest collection of Wildlife in Tasmania here you will be able to get up close and feed some of their friendly animals.

There is a range of small, large, slithering, hopping and flying animals that call the Wings Wildlife Park home.

Some of the animals at the park include an Australian King Parrot, Bennett’s Wallaby, Blotched Blue-Tongue Lizard, Camel, Emu, Forester Kangaroo, Tasmanian Devil, Wedge-Tailed Eagle and Ostrich.

The park also offers guided tours for small groups to learn about the animals and get hands-on experience with a select few.

Some of the animals at the park include an Australian King Parrot, Bennett’s Wallaby, Blotched Blue-Tongue Lizard, Camel, Emu, Forester Kangaroo, Tasmanian Devil, Wedge-Tailed Eagle and Ostrich.

There are feeding times throughout the day that visitors can watch these include the Koalas and wombats at 11 am and 2:30 pm, Meerkats at 11:30 am and Tassie Devils at 1 pm.

If you can’t get enough of the Wings Wildlife Park and don’t want to leave you can stay the night at their campgrounds.

With no mobile reception or internet access, it will just be you and the night sky. The park is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 10 am until 4 pm.

Top 10 Things to do in - Cradle Coast and surrounds - Cruise the Gordon River

4. Cruise the Gordon River

Location: Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the Gordon River is a must-see when in the region and what better way to experience it than aboard a scenic cruise.

Embark on a journey through the heart of the Tasmanian wilderness aboard a comfortable, relaxing vessel with spectacular views of the surrounding areas.

The perfect way to see the ‘real’ Tasmania, a cruise along the Gordon River is an adventure not to be missed as it offers visitors an entirely different perspective of the region.

Cruising along the river you will see a range of beautiful scenery including lush rainforests, rolling mountains, pristine waters and a large range of native wildlife.

The perfect way to see the ‘real’ Tasmania, a cruise along the Gordon River is an adventure not to be missed as it offers visitors an entirely different perspective of the region.

Top 10 Things to do in - Cradle Coast and surrounds - Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail

5. Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail

Location: The Greater Cradle Coast Region

Leading you around the Cradle Coast region, the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail is an ideal experience for the ‘foodie’ in all of us.

Showcasing some of the best fresh produce from around the North West region you will get to meet local farmers and producers and taste their mouthwatering products.

Travelling through a range of areas you’ll be able to sink your teeth into a selection of sweets, fresh fruit and vegetables and of course, fine wine.

Think cellar doors, farm stalls and food festivals and you’re on the right track (literally).

In addition to the delicious food and wine on offer, the region offers unparalleled views of the beautiful Tasmanian landscape.

Travelling through a range of areas in the Cradle Coast region you’ll be able to sink your teeth into a selection of sweets, fresh fruit and vegetables and of course, fine wine.

You’ll be amazed by the beauty of the region, an enhancement to the delicious produce you’ll be tasting.

If you’re looking for a more personal tour, you can sign up for a guided tour with a local operator.

They will take you to the best spots in the region and show you all of the local hotspots while tasting the best produce on offer.

Some of the stops along the trail include Barringwood Vineyard, Alexandria Bed and Breakfast, Ashgrove Cheese, Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, Cradle Coast Olives, House of Anvers Chocolate Factory and Infuse Coffee Roasters to name a few.

If you’re planning a visit to the Cradle Coast region and have a love of good food and drink, then the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail is a must!

The Top Things to do on the Cradle Coast

Gordon River Buffet Lunch Cruise

Cradle Mountain Canyons Tour

Gordon River Wilderness Cruise with Buffet Lunch

Canyon and Caves Day Tour including Lunch

Tamar Valley Food and Wine Tour

Stanley Tour

Cradle Mountain Tour from Burnie or Devonport

The Nut